Each of us has experienced guilt because of our actions and sins. There are people who have such a deep sense of guilt that they feel unworthy and hate themselves to the point of depression or suicidal thoughts. Or we define this state as not being able to forgive ourselves as a result of our cruel, shameful, and disgusting sins. However, is the concept of self-forgiveness true and Biblical? And why do we feel that we need to forgive ourselves?
The power of forgiveness is in the hands of God.
When we sin deeply, remember that forgiveness comes from God, not based on our ability to forgive ourselves. Forgiveness is based on the work of the Father through His Son who endured pain and punishment on our behalf on the cross.
Sometimes we feel unable to forgive ourselves because we are not sure of God's forgiveness for us. Therefore, we should believe that our God is very merciful and He is able to forgive the sins that we cannot forget. To free ourselves from the grip of shame and guilt, we first need to understand God's forgiveness.
God created us to live in fellowship with Him. But we prefer to live without Him. We do not care about God, our Creator. Therefore we hurt God's heart, hurt others and do selfish things. This is what the Bible says is sin.
Sin arouses God's wrath. It is God's true and proper wrath when he sees that everything is not according to His perfect way. His great will for us is perfect and good.
Although we deserve God's wrath and punishment, Jesus did not come to earth to judge. He came to save us from our sins and God's wrath
(John 3:17-18).
We certainly believe that guilty people deserve to be judged. Similarly, when we feel guilty and ashamed, we feel that we do not deserve forgiveness.
He chose to bear our sins and shame.
If we are the guilty party, how can God forgive us? Some of us feel that if we do not bear our own sins, then who will bear them? There is only one Person who can bear all the sins we have done. By providing a great sacrifice, God paid the price for our sins.
Therefore, we no longer have to bear the feeling of shame and guilt by ourselves, because Jesus has forgiven us. Not our effort to forgive ourselves but by the sacrifice of Jesus. We just have to believe and accept with faith this truth.
God “declares” righteousness to those who have accepted Christ and his death as payment for their sins. Since Christ died on the cross for our sins, then when we believe in Him, we have received complete forgiveness.
"Therefore, because we have been justified through faith, we have been reconciled to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have reached by faith the grace that covers us now. And we rejoice in the hope of God's glory." (Romans 5:1-2)
The word “justified” was used to describe the status of a person who had paid the full penalty for his crime and was restored to his place in society. In this case, Christ paid the penalty for us.
However, understanding God's forgiveness alone is not enough, we need to remember that this forgiveness is only given to those who believe in Jesus. Forgiveness is like medicine, it only works after we take it and eat it. But, we need to "confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and act justly." He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all guilt" (1 John 1:9).